Investor AB (INVE-B.SK), the Swedish investment company, Tuesday posted a 12% on-year rise in net asset value per share and raised its dividend, adding that it aims to return to its leverage target of 5%-10% following the closing of the Gambro transaction later this year.

   MAIN FACTS:

-NAV per share rose to SEK230 as of Dec. 31, 2012, from SEK205 at the end of 4Q, 2011. Analysts saw NAV/share at SEK225.

-The company proposed a dividend of SEK7 per share, up from SEK6 last year, and said it aims to pay a steadily rising dividend over time.

-The sale of Swedish medical-equipment maker Gambro to Baxter International Inc. (BAX) is expected to be finalized late in the second quarter of 2013. The sale will generate proceeds of SEK10.5 billion to Investor.

-After the closing of the Gambro transaction, Investor said it'll return to its leverage target of 5%-10% in order to de-lever its subsidiaries and make further investments.

-In 4Q, the company invested SEK500 million in equity financing in unlisted subsidiary Aleris but made no investments or divestments in listed holdings.

-It said Aleris has suffered from operating challenges in healthcare Sweden and difficult market conditions in Denmark and that it will take some time to fully implement its turnaround plan, including de-leveraging.

-4Q net profit fell to SEK10.84 billion from SEK12.27 billion, due to value changes.

-4Q profit before tax fell to SEK10.27 billion from SEK12.34 billion.

-On the economic situation, CEO Borje Ekholm said he expects Europe to continue to muddle through, with another few years to full recovery, and that he remains concerned about political disagreements over how to solve the U.S. debt ceiling and spending cuts.

-Mr. Ekholm said it seems the U.S. economy, including the housing market, is gaining momentum, but markets should expect slower growth in China near term as uncertainty prevails.

-The company reiterated that it's partner-owned investments will be exited, listed or become subsidiaries.

-Shares closed Monday at SEK177.30.

-Write to Anna Molin at anna.molin@dowjones.com; Twitter: @DowJonesNordics

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